Unfading Connection (complete)

The light

Eli'sPOV

For almost a month now, I got used of seeing Anton in my apartment. True to his promise he never left me and he is always there to take care of me. I know all because of the baby. I did not argue anymore because I know I will never win. But I did not make it easy for him.

I t has been his routine to bring me at my work and fetch me after. During the first two weeks, he always come early to cook for me or sometimes if he is tired he just bring some take out. Occasionally when I am in the mood I eat breakfast with him in Ihop or Mc Donalds. He still tries to cook for me in the evening but most of the time it will be take out. After we eat he goes home to his penthouse. Well, if he insists, so be it.

After those weeks, I saw how tired he is attending to me and to his work. He is the CEO and who could imagine that a man who runs a big company is practically allowing himself to be a slave to me. Later he became too tired of his routine that he can't help but to fall asleep on the couch.

That's the time I really pitied him and offered him to move in instead but he still has to sleep on the couch. I have only one room and I don't have plans to share my bed with him. He was very happy to accept the offer and the next day he brought a small table with him to work on. I witnessed how busy he was whenever I wake up early in the morning to find him still in front of his computer.

All I can do is make coffee for him and prepare his midnight snack. I insist that I will be the one to cook our dinner to give him time to finish some of his office works. Good thing he accepted that I can cook dinner for both of us. I hate doing nothing. I am pregnant but still I can move.

He never mentioned about marriage anymore. He knows I will be pissed off. But practically we look like a real couple living together.

I finished cooking dinner. He said he will be late from an emergency meeting. It's half past nine already and no signs of Anton. His driver was the one who fetch me from work today. I will just eat a little. I can't be hungry then I will eat again together with him later. I sat on the couch and start watching a movie.

The construction of the extension of the building has also started and we are both busy. John was kind enough to do the site checking and attending to all errands as it is inconvenient with my growing tummy. He never asks about my relationship with Anton when I explained to him that my child has the right to know his father.

It's almost eleven. Still no signs of Anton. I don't know, lately I am starting to be soft on him. I see his dedication on being a father.
My eyes are getting heavy. I can't help it. Then I doze off on the couch.

Anton's POV

I'm tired, sleepy. I have to attend some emergency meeting and I have to finish a lot of paper works that piled up plus I need to attend to my duties to Eli and my baby. I have to show Eli that I can be a good father. Good thing she offered me to stay with her. I am having hard time traveling back to my penthouse then to her place.

It's past eleven already. Maybe Eli is already asleep. I slowly open the door of her apartment. I notice that the tv is still on. Maybe she is still awake. It is not good for her and the baby.

I saw her sleeping on the couch. My heart suddenly leaps with joy. Maybe she slept waiting for me. I look at her sleeping figure. It's nice to see her on this state. Her face calm and peaceful. She's beautiful and she became more beautiful with her growing tummy. I am falling more in love with her. If only she will open her heart again to me. I should be patient. For now, I'll be contented of what she can give me. I am afraid if I open the topic of marriage again the more I will push her far from me.

I removed my coat, tie and shoes. I will just carry her to her room. I sat beside her and touch her face. She groans. It's been a long time since I was able to touch her like this. Slowly, I put my arms under her body to carry her. She half opened her eyes.

"Anton?" She whispers. She's still drowsy from sleep.

"Shhhh. Go to sleep sweetheart. I will carry you to your room." She nods and hook her arms around my neck. I push the door and slowly lay her on the bed..

"Goodnight." I whisper and I kissed her head.

As I am about to go out she suddenly sat up and called my name.

"Anton!"

I rushed to her side anxiously. "What happened? Are you ok?"

She smiled at me with excitement and I see the twinkle in her eyes as she pulled my hand and put on top of her tummy. I felt a movement inside. My eyes grow big and my heart leaps in too much happiness.

"Our baby is moving, Anton. Can you feel it!" She exclaimed.

"Yeah......" I laugh with too much happiness. I can't explain the joy I am feeling right now. She said our baby. I slowly sat beside her without removing my hands on her tummy. She leaned back as I prop some pillows on her back. And there again one....two.....three more kicks from our baby. I did notice that I almost cry of happiness. The feeling is so wonderful.

I pulled her shirt up and kiss her tummy tenderly. She smiled at me with loving eyes.

I cup her face and look into her eyes and I whisper, "Thank you, Eli. Thank you very much for such lovely gift."

With too much joy in my heart, I suddenly kiss her lips tenderly and lovingly. She did not response nor reject my kiss.

After the kiss, I still cupped her face, not wanting to lose the moment. I rest my forehead on her forehead and the tip of our nose touching each other. Her eyes full of happiness of a newfound blessing, the life inside her. A tear escape on her eyes and I wipe it with my thumb.

"I love you, Eli," I softly whisper, "I love you very much."

She did not respond. She just smiled but it did not  reach her eyes.

We stayed that way for a while. I'm the first one to break the moment. I want her to rest.

"You must rest. It's late already." And she nods.

"Anton, did you eat already? I waited for you. I ate a little only.......for the baby."

My heart is now leaping for joy. She waited for me. I know she cares. I see a small hope of gaining her trust. I must be patient.

"Ok let's have a midnight snack then." I smiled. I'm overwhelmed by her gestures. Suddenly, I feel energize. All my exhaustion vanished by the blissful moment.

I help her out of the bed and hold her hand going out of the kitchen. I open the covered plates that she previously prepared. We ate almost in silence, smiling shyly to each other. When we finished, I put the dishes in the sink.

"We need to sleep now. It's getting late. It's not good for you and our baby." It's very nice to say those words, our baby.

"Ummm.......Anton," she spoke softly, "you're too tired from work. You can't stretch your back on the couch. I experienced it......a while ago.......Maybe......you can........just stay with me on the bed." She immediately left leaving me speechless.

No need for second invitation. I immediately changed my clothes and went to her room. Her eyes were closed when I came in. She's sleeping on her right side. She left a space for me with her back facing me. I slowly lay down beside her and shared the blanket. I embrace her with my hand lightly on her tummy as if I am hugging also our baby. She lightly put her hand on top of my hand that embrace her. I kiss the back of her head and I slept deeply and peacefully.